Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Lake Forest, CA: $126,918 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Lake Forest, CA earns a median $126,918/year (≈ $61.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Lake Forest's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $112,218 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Forest, California, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect to earn a median annual salary of $126,918, significantly higher than the national median of $100,283. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $94,911 at the tenth percentile to $170,997 at the ninetieth percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS occupational employment and wage statistics, adjusted for local cost-of-living factors. Notably, Lake Forest's healthcare market features a mix of employment opportunities, including hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI facilities, contributing to a dynamic range of salaries based on the employment structure and patient volume.
About the Lake Forest Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,911 | $45.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,889 | $51.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,918 | $61.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,689 | $68.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,997 | $82.21 |
Median Salary Position
26.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Forest
In Lake Forest, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $76,086 (2026 est.). At $126,918, the local median is 26.56% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Forest: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Forest Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Lake Forest median: $126,918/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Forest Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,245 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +26.56% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lake Forest, CA earn a median of $126,918 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.56% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.80% below the California state average of $129,245.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Forest has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Forest, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $126,918 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $112,218 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,908
2025 BLS Actual
$120,840
2026 Current Est.
$126,918
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,908 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,528 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,907 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,362 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,982 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,029 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,918 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,302 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Forest metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $92,908 (2019) to $120,840 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,302 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,394 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Forest metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $94,911 – $106,889 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,889 – $126,918 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,918 – $142,689 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,689 – $170,997 |
MRI Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Job Market in Lake Forest
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lake Forest is relatively small, with only 14 professionals currently employed in the field. The higher cost of living in the area, reflected in a cost-of-living index of 113.1, further impacts the purchasing power of wages, making it vital for technologists to understand the local dynamics. Among potential employers, hospital imaging departments generally offer the best compensation, particularly for subspecialties such as cardiac MRI and neuro imaging, which can command premiums due to their complexity. To optimize earnings, professionals should seek out positions that involve shift differentials, cover call shifts, or work with mobile MRI companies that may provide travel incentives and bonuses. Those pursuing certifications, such as MRSO, may find additional opportunities for higher pay, thus enhancing their marketability in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Lake Forest, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Lake Forest, CA in 2026?
Is Lake Forest, CA a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Lake Forest?
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Written by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR)
Career Analyst
Carmen has 10 years of experience as an MRI technologist. She specializes in pediatric imaging at a regional hospital. Carmen contributes to various industry publications.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $120,840 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Lake Forest metropolitan area. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lake Forest is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for magnetic resonance imaging technologists (SOC 29-2035).
Compiled and verified by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR), a licensed magnetic resonance imaging technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov